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Well Dressing




Well dressing is a Custom practised in the Peak District of England , in which Well s are decorated with designs created from Flower Petal s.


HISTORY

The origins of the tradition are alternatively said to lie in Pagan tradition or in giving thanks for the purity of the Water drawn from certain wells during the period of the Black Death . It is often said to originate in Tissington , Derbyshire .

The custom almost died out, but during the Twentieth Century , it was revived and has spread to numerous villages and small towns in Derbyshire , Staffordshire , South Yorkshire , Cheshire , and even as far afield as Much Wenlock in Shropshire .


PROCESS

Wooden frames are constructed and covered with Clay , mixed with water and Salt . A design is sketched on paper, often of a Religious theme, and this is traced onto the clay. The picture is then filled in with natural materials, predominantly flower petals and Moss es, but also Bean s, Seed s and small Cone s.

Each group uses their own technique, with some areas mandating that only natural materials be used while others feel free to use modern materials to simplify production.


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